Ortlieb Vario High Vis review: From rucksack to cycle bag in a matter of seconds

Who hasn’t faced the tiresome dilemma of choosing between a rucksack and a pannier? With rucksack-pannier combinations, this dilemma is a thing of the past; the Vario High Vis from Ortlieb is one such practical item. This rucksack-bag combination can be easily attached to the rear rack and converted into a rucksack in a matter of seconds. This makes it easy to carry luggage on your bike. When you’re off the bike, you can use it as a rucksack. A flexible transport solution for everyday use and cycle tours.

Of course, Ortlieb isn’t the only company to produce such shape-changing products. We’ve also already looked at the The Xberg model by Deuter or significantly cheaper ones from Forrider tried it out.

The Vario High Vis

One side of the Ortlieb Vario High Vis features the tried-and-tested Quick-Lock 2.1 (or, optionally, Quick-Lock 3.1) mounting system for the luggage rack, whilst the other side features a rucksack-style carrying system with ergonomic shoulder straps. The transformation is achieved by folding the so-called flap from one side to the other. Read more about this further down in the article. Inside the Vario High Vis there is a padded laptop compartment with an additional zipped pocket for small items. Alternatively, you can stow your keys or mobile phone in the flap. But be warned: a note inside this zipped pocket states “not waterproof”. Otherwise, the rucksack/bag is 100 per cent waterproof, provided it has been closed properly. Access to the interior of the rucksack or bag is via a roll-top closure, which can be adjusted to suit the amount of contents. Ortlieb’s versatile bag can also be adjusted in width using the flap, transforming it into a compact piece of luggage.

A chest strap ensures greater comfort, whilst a water bottle can be stowed in a side mesh pocket – making it more suited to use as a rucksack than as a pannier. Ortlieb’s signature side reflectors ensure high visibility. On the High Vis version we tested, reflective yarn is incorporated into both the flap and the shoulder straps. Incidentally, for 90 euros, the Vario models without High Vis can also be fitted with a new flap.

Sustainability

Ortlieb manufactures the Vario sustainably in Germany – at present, for example, two-thirds of the electricity required is generated in-house. The website provides information on the carbon footprint for almost every product. According to this, a total of 13.7 kilograms of CO₂ must be saved to offset the Vario’s carbon footprint. “Leave your car at home and cycle 144.2 kilometres “by cycling to offset this product” is what it says there, and it also states that this calculation is based on the EU target of 95 grams of CO2 per kilometre for all new vehicles from 2020 onwards.

Ortlieb Vario High Vis as a rucksack

The ergonomic shoulder straps on the combination rucksack ensure that it is comfortable to carry. The TPU back panel, which is also used on the Commuter Daypack, amongst others, enhances comfort thanks to its ventilation channels.

When it comes to the straps used to adjust the shoulder straps, Ortlieb has come up with a clever solution to prevent the ends from hanging down. The ends are secured to themselves with a loop (see picture above).

Depending on how it is currently being used, the flap covers either the Quick-Lock system or the shoulder straps. This ensures that the straps are securely fastened and are not at risk of getting caught in the spokes.

The padded laptop compartment is located inside the bag on the side facing your back. This ensures that the heaviest item is close to your body.

Ortlieb Vario as a cycle bag

Conversely, when the Vario is used as a cycle bag, the laptop is stored on the side facing away from the bike. This means that the weight distribution is not ideal, particularly with large laptops.

The Quick-Lock 2.1 mounting system allows the bag to be securely attached to the luggage rack. Once adjusted to the correct position, it can be attached to and removed from the luggage rack in a single simple step.

The Metamorphosis

The practical test

We put the Ortlieb Vario through a rigorous endurance test, using it to transport items to and from the editorial office countless times. One leg of the journey was 26 kilometres long, and on top of that there was always the return journey, which often involved detours of up to 50 kilometres. And, as we all know, the last few months have been characterised less by bright blue skies and sunshine than by snow, rain, hail and the resulting dirty roads and muddy paths. The Vario cycle bag had to endure all of this and prove itself time and time again.

No matter how muddy our rides were, the straps always stayed clean enough that we could put the rucksack on without worrying about ruining all our clothes. The zipped pocket in the flap stayed dry on the inside, even after hours of riding in the rain.

We wanted to be able to access the small zipped pocket in the flap even when the bag is in cycle bag mode, so that we could have our keys to hand quickly.

Carrying the bike with a fully packed bag attached is hard work. It’s easier to convert the bag into a rucksack for this purpose. We’ve established the following procedure:

1. Push the bike right up to the front door
2. Unfasten the flap so that the rucksack straps are easily accessible
3. Remove the key
4. Take off your bag, put on your rucksack
5. Lift the bike and take it to its destination
6. Secure the flap, use a rucksack

Our practical tip: To avoid uneven weight distribution, it is advisable to alternate between carrying the bag on the right and left sides of the bike.

We liked that

• No matter how muddy it was, the straps of the rucksack stayed clean
• plenty of storage space – it wasn’t uncommon for people to carry a whole outfit, including shoes, alongside their laptop.
• high visibility thanks to reflectors

That wasn’t very good

• When it’s fully loaded, you can feel the weight pulling the bike to one side
• Adjusting the chest strap is a faff

Conclusion

With the Vario, Ortlieb has created a brilliant all-rounder. It takes just a few seconds to transform it from a rucksack into a cycle bag – and vice versa. As a cycle bag, the Vario sits securely on the luggage rack; as a rucksack, it sits comfortably on your back. You hardly notice that the Vario weighs over 1.5 kilos even when empty. The weight of the fully packed bag was clearly noticeable on the bike.

A good bag-and-rucksack combination for everyday use and short journeys. Anyone who regularly cycles long distances should consider carrying their load on both sides of the bike to avoid any imbalance.

Details & Variants

• Volume: 26 litres
• Weight: 1,550 grams
• Dimensions: 31 cm wide, 47 cm high, 22 cm deep
• Payload: up to 9 kilos

Option 1: Vario High Vis (reviewed)

• Mount: Quick-Lock 2.1
• Price: 235 euros

Option 2: Vario

• Mount: Quick-Lock 2.1 (QL2.1) or Quick-Lock 3.1 (QL3.1)
• Price: 185 euros (QL2.1), 200 euros (QL3.1)